Heritage Open Days are a series of annual national events co-ordinated nationally by the Civic Trust and supported by the Department of Culture Media and Sport and English Heritage, to promote an interest in our cultural, historic or architectural heritage by allowing free public access to buildings of interest that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission. Heritage Open Days also includes tours, events and activities that focus on local architecture and culture. Heritage Open Days was established in 1994 as England's contribution to European Heritage Days, in which 48 countries now participate.

Organised by volunteers for local people, Heritage Open Days is England's biggest and most popular voluntary cultural event, attracting some 800,000 people every year. Heritage Open Days provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore and enjoy these sometimes hidden, often curious and always interesting places in Cheltenham - and completely free of charge.

Places which are open to visitors usually include The Everyman Theatre, Holst Birthplace Museum, Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum, Cheltenham Ladies' College, Cheltenham College, St. Mary's Church, Masonic Hall, Cheltenham Jewish Synagogue, Arle Court, now home to Cheltenham Film Studios, and many others. Architectural walks and talks are organised by the tourist information office.

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS 2008
September 2008